Defend Your Ground

Episode 64: Improving Services at Our National Parks

In this episode, Ben and Simone discuss forest management plans in for the Blue Mountains in Eastern Oregon and the importance of community engagement in these plans. They also highlight the National Park Service's call for public feedback on visitor services and the challenges faced in maintaining park infrastructure. They focus on several case studies where the Park Service could improve the services available and recreation experiences in our parks.
Comment on the Oregon Forest Plan Here: https://blueribboncoalition.org/support-an-open-access-active-management-alternative-in-oregons-blue-mountains-forest-plan-revision/
Add feedback to the National Park Service Here: https://blueribboncoalition.org/critical-opportunity-to-improve-our-national-parks-nps-asks-for-visitor-feedback-on-services/

Episode 63: Save the Hammers Round 2

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben Burr, Simone Griffin, and Shannon Welch discuss the ongoing threats to Johnson Valley and the King of the Hammers event. They delve into the historical context of the fight for this cherished OHV area, the current proposed airspace restrictions by the Marines, and the importance of community mobilization to protect outdoor recreation. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy, public comments, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the preservation of Johnson Valley for future generations.
Add Your Comments here: https://blueribboncoalition.org/save-the-hammers-round-2-u-s-military-proposal-threatens-johnson-valley-ohv-area-in-california/
 

Episode 62: Increasing Access to Valles Caldera in New Mexico

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben and Simone discuss the Valle Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico with guest Seth Gaynor. They explore the history of the preserve, its transition to National Park Service management, and the current public access restrictions. The conversation highlights the importance of public comments on the management plan and the need for increased access to the area for recreational activities. The episode emphasizes the financial implications of limited access and the advocacy efforts required to ensure public lands remain accessible to all.
Takeaways
The Valle Caldera National Preserve is a significant area for outdoor recreation.
Public access to the preserve is currently limited to 35 permits a day.
The management plan does not analyze options for expanding access.
The transition to National Park Service management has not improved public access.
Financial challenges have plagued the management of the preserve.
The public is encouraged to submit comments on the management plan.
Advocacy is essential for maintaining access to public lands.
The preserve offers beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Current management practices may not align with public interest.
Community engagement is crucial for preserving access to natural resources.
Submit comment on the plan here: https://blueribboncoalition.org/valles-caldera-general-management-plan-to-continue-to-restrict-access-to-recreation-users/
Follow Free Valles Caldera on Instagram:
@free_valles_caldera
Follow Free Valles Caldera on Facebook:
@FreeVallesCaldera

Episode 61: 1800 Acres of Pristine Wyoming Land Proposed for Exchange

In this episode, the hosts discuss the Miller Mountain land exchange in Wyoming, exploring its background, the implications of the proposed trade, and the challenges surrounding public land management. They delve into the unique characteristics of the land involved, the legal considerations, and the potential impacts on outdoor recreation and public access. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the implications of a proposed land exchange involving BLM land, focusing on access, ecological value, and the valuation of public lands. They express concerns about the trade-offs involved, the unique experiences offered by the current land, and the potential loss of public access. The discussion also highlights discrepancies in land valuation and the importance of community engagement in the decision-making process.
Learn more here: https://blueribboncoalition.org/the-public-land-sell-off-no-one-is-talking-about-miller-mountain-land-exchange-will-pay-private-landowner-to-take-possession-of-1800-acres-of-pristine-wyoming-public-land/

Episode 60: Let's Rescind Some Regulations

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben, Simone, and Nick discuss the complexities of public lands management, focusing on the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and their implications for land use. They explore the legal authority of agencies, the role of Congress, and the limitations of the public comment process. The conversation highlights specific regulations that restrict access to public lands and emphasizes the need for reform. They encourage the public to support requests from the agency to recommend regulations that should be rescinded.
Add your support to rescind regulations that are used to restrict recreation access to public lands: https://blueribboncoalition.org/help-overturn-bureaucratic-regulations-used-to-limit-motorized-recreation/

Episode 59: With Populations Growing, It’s Time to Remove Grizzly Bear Protections

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben and Simone discuss the recent proposal by the Fish and Wildlife Service to downlist certain populations of grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act. They explore the implications of this proposal, the role of environmental groups, and the impact of roads on bear populations. The conversation highlights the need for better wildlife management and the importance of public access to lands. Listeners are encouraged to participate in an action alert to voice their opinions on the matter.Add your voice to the proposal to support removal of grizzly bear protections where population levels have recovered: https://blueribboncoalition.org/grizzly-bear-population-recovery-levels-justify-delisting-from-endangered-species-list/

Episode 58: How Congressional Review Act Can Reopen Public Lands

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben Burr and Simone Griffin discuss recent legislative updates regarding public lands, focusing on the Glen Canyon OHV rule and the implications of the Congressional Review Act. 
 
Support Congressional Review of Glen Canyon Closures: https://blueribboncoalition.org/resolution-proposed-to-continue-allowance-of-ohvs-in-glen-canyon-national-recreation-area/
 
Support the Productive Public Lands Act: https://blueribboncoalition.org/support-the-productive-public-lands-act-a-bill-to-reverse-recent-public-land-restrictions-and-closures/
 

Episode 57: BRC Goes to DC to Support Grand Reopening of Our Public Lands

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben, Simone, and BRC Board Vice President Shannon Welch discuss their recent trip to Washington, DC, focusing on public land advocacy, the challenges faced in protecting these lands, and the legislative efforts being made by the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). Shannon shares her background in public lands and building the King of the Hammers event, while Simone outlines the NEPA projects and legislative priorities that were presented to congressional staffers. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy and the need for effective communication with lawmakers to ensure the protection and accessibility of public lands.